George Edward Dickinson, age 85, of Flora, Illinois, passed away surrounded by his children on Friday afternoon, January 23, 2026, at Axiom Healthcare in Flora.

      He was born April 17, 1940, in Decatur, the son of Willard Jessup and Ruby (Wakefield) Dickinson.  He was united in marriage to Paula Parker on May 28, 1960, in Decatur, and they shared 64 years of marriage until her passing on August 19, 2024.

      George moved to Flora from Decatur in September 1960 to establish a delivery route for Crane Potato Chips in the area, a route he drove for the next 45 years. After retiring in 2006, he continued serving the community by driving a school bus for the Flora School District and a CEFS bus.

      Shortly after moving to Flora, George joined Boy Scout Troop 296. When Troop 296 was disbanded, he transferred to Troop 282. In 1969, he became an Assistant Scoutmaster, and by 1972, he was promoted to Scoutmaster. During this time, he founded Explorer Post 72, which provided hands-on training for specific careers. George was a registered Scout for 78 years and helped guide thousands of local boys through Scouting, including more than 50 who attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Over the years, he received numerous awards, including the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a local council can bestow upon an adult volunteer.  He was honored in 1983 when the Flora Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year in recognition of his commitment to the community.  Through Scouting and ongoing support of a wide range of projects, George invested countless hours in area youth and helped make Clay County, and far beyond, a better place.

      George and Paula attended Bethlehem Christian Church.  He enjoyed family time and annual camping trips, and he was well known for tickling and teasing the grandkids and great-grandkids when they were little—memories his family will always hold close to their hearts.

      George is survived by his children: Christine (Phillip) Wolfe of Flora, Julie Nichols of Flora, and Timothy (Susan) Dickinson of Geff; 6 grandchildren: Mallory Cummins, Andrea (Kyle) Michael, Abigail (Dakota) Orel, Blake (Amanda) Owen, Ashley (Jacob) Shreve, and Avy (Matthew) Suntrup; and 11 great-grandchildren.

      He is preceded in passing by his wife: Paula Dickinson; parents: Willard and Ruby Dickinson; sister: Sandy Goodbrake; brother: Willard “Willie” Dickinson; and son-in-law: Mike Nichols.

       A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with David Mills officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.  A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Boy Scout Troop 8282, and will be accepted at the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com